The Monroe Police Department is proud to announce the promotions of four veteran officers whose decades of combined experience, deep community roots, and shared commitment to public service will help meet the needs of a growing and evolving City. 

Effective Monday, April 14, Captain T.J. Goforth has been promoted to Assistant Chief of Police, making her the first woman in the department’s history to hold this role. 

Captain Shannon Huntley has been promoted to Major, becoming the first woman to hold the rank of Major within the Monroe Police Department. 

Lieutenant Monique Holt has been promoted to Captain, becoming the first Black woman to achieve this milestone in department history. 

Lieutenant Chad Shoultes has also been promoted to Captain and will now lead the Patrol Division. 

“These individuals represent the future of our department. Their leadership, dedication, and vision will help guide our officers and better serve the residents of Monroe as we grow and adapt to new challenges,” said Monroe Police Chief Rhett Bolen. 

City Manager Mark Watson praised the promotions as an important step in preparing the department for the future. 

“We are proud to recognize and promote the outstanding leadership within the Monroe Police Department. These individuals bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of our community. We’re proud to celebrate these historic milestones and look forward to the continued leadership and innovation these officers will bring to our community,” said City Manager Mark Watson. 

Promotions and New Assignments

Assistant Chief T.J. Goforth has served the Monroe Police Department since 1997, advancing through the ranks in a wide range of assignments including Patrol, Narcotics, Criminal Investigations, and the Violent Crimes Task Force. She most recently served as a Captain and brings over 27 years of experience to her new executive role. 

Goforth holds a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Pfeiffer University. She is also a certified General Instructor and recipient of the Advanced Law Enforcement Certification through the North Carolina Justice Academy. 

“I feel fortunate to have grown up in this community and to give back by serving its members. It is an honor to lead and work alongside the dedicated men and women who contribute to this agency’s success,” said Assistant Chief Goforth. 

Major Shannon Huntley will lead the department’s Special Services Division, which includes oversight of Criminal Investigations, the Narcotics/Violent Crimes Task Force, and Traffic. 

Major Huntley began her law enforcement career in 1996 and joined the Monroe Police Department in 2004. She is a graduate of Stanly Community College with an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice and is currently finishing her Bachelor of Science degree at Ashworth College. Huntley is a General Instructor and certified in Subject Control Arrest Techniques and Taser instruction. A graduate of CMPD Command College, she also brings extensive training in Executive Management and Incident Command. Her dedication to service and development makes her a key part of the department’s leadership team. 

Captain Monique Holt will assume command of the Administration Division. A 21-year veteran of the Monroe Police Department, Captain Holt has worked across numerous divisions, including Patrol, the School Resource Officer program, the Community Service Unit, and the Community Intervention Team. 

She holds a Master of Science in Leadership, is a certified General Instructor, and has earned Intermediate and Advanced Law Enforcement Certificates. In addition to her departmental service, Holt is active in civic life, holding positions on several community-focused boards and advancing public safety outreach across the city. Her passion for mentorship and community engagement continues to make a lasting impact on both officers and residents. 

Captain Chad Shoultes will now lead the Patrol Division. He began his law enforcement career in 2001 and joined the Monroe Police Department in 2004. Over the years, Shoultes has served in Patrol, as a Traffic Division Sergeant and Lieutenant, and has overseen specialized programs including the department’s K9 Unit, drone operations, and field training. 

He holds an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice and is pursuing his Bachelor’s degree at Western Carolina University. He is a graduate of the CMPD Command College and the Law Enforcement Leadership and Management Program. Captain Shoultes brings strong tactical and leadership expertise to the Patrol Division as it continues to serve as the front line of community policing. 

“These promotions and reassignments are part of our strategic planning efforts to build a stronger, more efficient department for the future,” said Chief Bolen. “We’re proud of the work these leaders have done and look forward to what they will accomplish in their new roles.” 

Additional promotions and internal reassignments have also taken place as the department aligns itself to better serve the growing needs of the community. Barney Malone and Justin Crump have both been promoted from Sergeant to Lieutenant and assigned to the Patrol division. 

The promotions will take effect on Monday, April 14, as the department continues to strengthen its leadership to better serve the Monroe community. 

The Monroe Police Department is recognized as an Advanced Law Enforcement Accredited agency by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) since 2007. The Monroe Police Department complies with over 400 highest applicable standards to achieve the gold standard accreditation in public safety.